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Tuxedo school faces closure due to high costs, low enrollment

An Orange County high school may be on the brink of closing as it faces low enrollment and high costs.

George F. Baker, located in Tuxedo, only has 100 students in seventh through 12th grades. It is struggling with low enrollment after losing 80 percent of its students body three years ago, when Greenwood Lake redistricted. This has bumped the school's cost per pupil to almost $48,000, more than double the state average.

It may close as early as next year if the school board votes that way in November.

George F. Baker Principal Jason Schrammel says fewer students have meant better education and more opportunities -- a sentiment shared by some residents.

However, a recent independent report found closing the school could save the district up to $1.6 million per year.

The board will take a final vote on the high school's fate Nov. 15.

If George F. Baker does close, its students would be redistricted to nearby schools.